Wedding Photo Package: What's Included?

what is in a typical wedding photo package

Wedding photography packages vary depending on the services included, the photographer's experience, and other factors. The core of any wedding photography package is the coverage of the wedding day itself, with photographers offering a range of hours to capture the event. Some photographers provide a tiered service, with a basic, middle-ground, and high-end package option. Packages may include add-ons like printed products, planning assistance, photo booths, travel, and engagement sessions, while others only cover shooting and editing time. Couples typically receive all 'keeper' photos, which are edited for colour correction, cropping, and enhancements. After the wedding, couples can choose how to display their photos, with options like prints, canvases, and albums.

Characteristics Values
Number of hours Packages typically range from 4 to 10 hours.
Number of photographers One or two photographers.
Engagement shoots Some packages include a free engagement shoot.
Bridal shoots Some packages include a bridal shoot, which is a photoshoot of the bride in her wedding dress and accessories.
Albums Some packages include printed photo albums.
Prints Some packages include prints, and a print release to allow printing at a lab of your choice.
Editing Packages include editing for colour correction, cropping, exposure and enhancements.
Final photos The number of final photos varies, but typically ranges from 65 to 100+ per hour of photography.

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Number of hours of coverage

The number of hours of coverage in a wedding photography package can vary depending on the photographer and the couple's preferences. Some photographers offer packages with a set number of hours, such as 4, 6, 8, or 10 hours of coverage. Others may provide a minimum number of hours, such as 8 hours for full-day weddings, and allow couples to add additional hours as needed.

The number of hours of coverage needed will depend on various factors, including the size of the wedding, the number of guests, and the couple's preferences for the types of photos they want. For example, intimate weddings with fewer than 50 guests or shorter coverage of less than 3 hours may require fewer hours of photography. On the other hand, larger weddings with multiple locations or events may need more extensive coverage.

It is essential to create a rough itinerary of the wedding day before deciding on the number of hours of photography coverage. This will help determine the key moments that the couple wants to be captured, such as getting ready photos, the ceremony, and the reception. By planning out the day, couples can ensure they have sufficient coverage to capture all the important moments.

Most wedding photography packages with a set number of hours are continuous, meaning there are no breaks in coverage. This ensures that even if there are lulls or downtime during the wedding, the photographer will still be available to capture any unexpected moments or spontaneous memories.

It is worth noting that some photographers may include travel time in their hours of coverage, especially if there are multiple locations involved. Therefore, couples should clarify with their photographer what is included in the hours of coverage and whether travel time will be additional or built into the package.

Ultimately, the number of hours of coverage in a wedding photography package should be based on the couple's unique needs and preferences. By considering the size of the wedding, the desired types of photos, and the importance of capturing specific moments, couples can make an informed decision about the number of hours of photography coverage they require.

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Engagement shoots

The purpose of an engagement shoot is to help the couple feel comfortable in front of the camera and with their photographer. It is a chance to get some informal shots and practice posing and feeling at ease, so that the couple can be more relaxed and natural on their wedding day. The photographer can also get to know the couple and their dynamic, allowing them to capture the story of the couple's wedding day in a more genuine way.

Some photographers offer engagement shoots as an additional service, with rates varying depending on the photographer and the length of the session. However, it is common for photographers to include engagement shoots in their wedding packages, often as an incentive for couples to book their services for the wedding day. This can result in cost savings for the couple.

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Bridal shoots

During the bridal shoot, photographers can capture a variety of shots, including close-ups of the bride's face, highlighting her eye makeup and smile, as well as shots of her entire outfit, including the dress, shoes, and any unique details like a "something blue". The photographer might also capture the bride holding her bridal bouquet, which adds a pop of colour and can be a beautiful way to showcase her ring.

In addition to the traditional solo portraits, bridal shoots can also include photos with the bridesmaids. These shots can be a fun way to showcase the bride's relationships with her closest friends and create lasting memories. The bridesmaids can also help the bride feel more relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera.

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Albums and prints

When it comes to wedding photography packages, albums and prints are often included as standard or offered as add-ons. Here are some things to consider when thinking about albums and prints:

Albums

A wedding photo album is a beautiful way to showcase your special day and tell the story of your wedding. Many photographers offer albums as part of their packages, and this can be a very convenient option. You can choose from a variety of album styles, such as fine art albums, coffee table books, or parent albums. These albums are typically professionally designed and printed, ensuring a high-quality product.

Prints

Prints are another popular option offered in wedding photography packages. Some photographers include print credit in their packages, allowing you to choose a selection of images to be printed after the wedding. This can include anything from small prints for thank-you cards to large wall art or canvases. It is important to clarify with your photographer whether you will receive the digital files and a print release, as this will give you the freedom to print additional images at your own convenience and chosen locations.

Customization

When it comes to albums and prints, customization options are often available. You may be able to choose the number of images included, the size of the album or prints, and the type of paper or cover material used. Some photographers offer upgrades or add-ons, such as premium paper, custom album boxes, or personalized engraving.

Timing

It is important to consider the timing of receiving your albums and prints. Some photographers may include a sneak peek or a set number of images delivered shortly after the wedding, while the full album and print package may take several weeks or months to complete. Be sure to discuss the expected timeline with your photographer to manage your expectations.

Quality and Style

When selecting a photographer, ensure you are happy with their editing style and the quality of their work. Ask about the type of paper and printing methods they use, as well as the durability and colour accuracy of the prints. You want to ensure that your precious memories are captured and presented in the best possible light, so don't be afraid to ask for samples or view their previous work.

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Additional photographers

Firstly, they offer a different perspective and capture moments that might otherwise be missed. With an extra photographer, you can ensure that multiple important moments happen simultaneously, and nothing is missed. For example, during the getting-ready phase, one photographer can focus on the bride while the other captures the groom and groomsmen's preparations.

Having additional photographers is especially beneficial for large weddings with many guests, as it ensures comprehensive coverage of the event. This way, the couple can receive a variety of shots, from intimate moments to grand group photos, all from different angles and viewpoints.

Furthermore, additional photographers can be a great help during the post-production phase. They can assist in culling and selecting the best photos, expediting the editing process, and ensuring a faster delivery time for the final images.

Some photography businesses offer packages that include a primary photographer and an associate or second shooter. This associate photographer is often experienced and works closely with the primary photographer to ensure a seamless experience for the couple.

When considering additional photographers, it is essential to weigh the benefits against your budget and the size of your wedding. For smaller, more intimate weddings, a single photographer may be sufficient. However, for larger weddings or those with multiple events or locations, the added coverage provided by additional photographers can be invaluable.

Frequently asked questions

The number of hours a photographer is booked for is at the core of any wedding photo package. Packages typically include a set number of hours of coverage, which refers to the length of time the photographer will spend at the wedding. This can include travel time if there are multiple locations. Some photographers may offer a tiered service approach, with a minimum, middle ground, and high-end package. Additional hours can be added to any package, usually at an extra cost.

Aside from the hours of coverage, some photographers may include printed products, planning help, photo booths, travel, and/or engagement sessions in their packages. After the wedding, photographers will select the best photos, edit them, and present them to the client. Clients can then choose how they want to display the photos, with options including prints, canvases, and albums.

The number of hours of coverage varies depending on the couple's needs. Some couples only want the most important moments of the ceremony photographed, while others want full coverage from the beginning of the day until the end of the reception. A package with 8 hours of coverage is considered average, while a 10-12 hour package allows for full coverage of the entire day, including pre-wedding festivities and intimate family moments.

When choosing a wedding photo package, it's important to consider the value the photographer brings to your day. This includes their experience, involvement in the planning process, and whether their personality is a good fit for you and your partner. It's also essential to understand what is included in the package and whether there are any additional costs for extra services or printed products.

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